The New Old Idea

I've been casting objects in shadow boxes. Which is not a new idea. It's actually a 15 year old for idea for me, that I never got around to. So, it's a new technique of using resin for me and man, I have to tell you there is a pretty big learning curve here. My first attempt, after following the directions on the label, almost started a fire. No shit. The thing started sizzling and smoking it got so hot. (Decrease catalyst!) My second attempt the resin cracked because of the heat. (Decrease catalyst again!) My third never cured. (Increase catalyst!) And fourth and fifth and so on and so on until I've used the whole gallon of very expensive resin. Enter Anger. Enter Fear. Enter Sadness. Process and materials in art are part of the allure to me. I love figuring it out, for awhile.
So, I switch gears for a bit. I relax my resin anxiety by making my own wooden boxes. I go to the Portland Tool Library and get me a compound miter saw. Big girl. Easy. I'll just throw together a few mitered boxes! NO. Not easy, even for a retired woodworker! Is my wood warped? Is the blade warped? Did I wiggle too much during the cut? Did I forget to measure the kerf of the blade? Is 45º not really true? Enter Anger. Enter Fear. Enter Sadness.
Some days, we are just supposed to do something else. 🍷

These are the four shadow boxes that worked. (!!!)